Missouri House endorses tougher worker lawsuits

JEFFERSON CITY — Workers suing for discrimination could have a tougher time proving their case in court under legislation endorsed by the Missouri House.

The House gave first-round approval Wednesday to a bill that would require people to prove discrimination was a "motivating factor" in their employer's actions. Current law says discrimination need only to "contribute" to bad actions in the workplace.

Republicans support the measure and say raising the legal standard would help weed out frivolous lawsuits that cost businesses. Democrats oppose it and say the legislation would protect employers who discriminate in the workplace.

The measure needs one more vote before moving to the Senate. Gov. Jay Nixon has vetoed similar legislation each of the last two years.